Marjorie Ryan

August 09, 2013 12:16 PM

Teacher, civic activist

Marjorie Elaine Bennett Ryan, a longtime Claremont resident, died on July 1, 2013. She was 89.

Ms. Ryan was born on August 21, 1923 to Horace and Inez Faye Bennet of Bellflower, California. In 1947, she married William Ryan. They initially resided in Bellflower, where Ms. Ryan pursued a career as an elementary school reading specialist for the Bellflower Unified School District.

Ms. Ryan was an excellent teacher and profoundly devoted to her students. While continuing full-time employment, she earned a master’s degree in education in the early 1970s. She concluded her teaching career after 40 years, in 1984.

In 1968, the Ryans moved to Claremont, California. Upon retirement, Ms. Ryan channeled her energy and talents into a variety of civic activities in the Claremont area. These included Tri-City Mental Health, the League of Women Voters and International Place at the Claremont Colleges. Her volunteer life mirrored her professional life in the dedication and effective participation she brought to community affairs.

During the last 15 years of her life, Ms. Ryan resided at the Mt. San Antonio Gardens Life Care Facility. Ms. Ryan is survived by her daughters, Candace and Kerry, who will greatly miss her.

There will be a celebration of Ms. Ryan’s life on Wednesday, August 21 at 10:30 a.m at the Claremont Presbyterian Church, 1111 N. Mountain Ave. This would have been her 90th birthday.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Marjorie Ryan’s memory to Claremont Presbyterian Church, Tri-City Mental Health or International Place.